Binghamton University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program achieves ACOTE accreditation

Binghamton University announces that its Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (EL-OTD) program has achieved accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), marking a significant milestone for the University. This achievement highlights the program’s dedication to maintaining high standards in its curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes.

“We are very pleased to have received full, seven-year accreditation from the ACOTE,” said Cristina Dumitrescu, EdD, MS, ORT/L, assistant professor and interim director of the Division of Occupational Therapy. “Accreditation for the full, seven-year term affirms excellence in our curriculum, faculty, and facilities — a testament to the diligent work of the entire division over the past several years. I'd particularly like to thank our founding director, all the faculty and staff in our division, and the administrators at Decker College and Binghamton University for their support.” 

Launched in 2023 at Binghamton’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Entry-Level OTD program is a three-year, full-time course of study. It combines classroom learning, laboratory work, practical experiences, and clinical training. Students undertake more than 24 weeks of clinical education and accumulate thousands of hours of on-campus instruction in the classroom and simulation center. Once finished, graduates can sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) licensing exam.

Decker’s entry-level OTD program graduated its first cohort of six students in May. The second and third cohorts are underway, and a fourth cohort will begin in August.

“Our Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is central to Decker College’s mission to serve rural and vulnerable populations and to prepare future healthcare providers to positively impact underserved communities,” said Dean Mario R. Ortiz, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, FNP-C, FNAP, FAAN. “I am very proud of Cristina and the entire faculty and staff of the Division of Occupational Therapy for developing such a strong program and achieving accreditation.”

The Division of Occupational Therapy also offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program for practicing occupational therapists with a master’s degree in OT or a related discipline who wish to earn a clinical doctorate online. Additionally, the division encompasses a minor in arts in healthcare, which is open to undergraduates in any major at Binghamton.